held up, weakened from 4 out, pulled up before last
led until after 1st, remained prominent until weakened approaching 3 out
held up in touch, chased leaders 4 out, weakened last
always behind
in touch when fell 3rd
led after 1st, ridden after 3 out, kept on, headed towards finish
held up mid-division, lost place 5th
held up in touch, chased leader bypassing, ommited hurdle 2 out, led towards finish
tracked leaders, ridden 4 out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, weakened after 4 out
Oscar Park, Rhinestone Cowboy and Jazz d'Estruval are the trio for the shortlist and we stick with Oscar Park. A run of seconds may hint at Colin Tinkler's charge being a reluctant hero but he has been guilty only of finding a more progressive rival on each occasion and with heavy ground forecast, conditions are most definitely in his favour. Rhinestone Cowboy needs no introduction although many people will be surprised to see him here as it was commonly thought that he had retired. Regular rider, JP Magnier is on board and while he will be popular, the market could indicate whether we will see an emotional return on Saturday afternoon. Jazz d'Estruval can be expected to revel in this ground and he was not disgraced on his latest start when the going was arguably on the lively side for him. The Bajan Bandit is knocking on the last chance saloon and is a light of his former self. St Matthew is hastily returned to hurdles after failing to cut it over chase fences. Tees Components can be relied upon to run his usual race while the injury prone, United, has questions to answer after plenty of excuses in the past. A good race that can go the way of Oscar Park.
Rhinestone Cowboy (IRE) 5-2 (11-12) Tracked leaders, outpaced 7 out, mistake next, headway 3 out, led travelling well before last, mistake, ridden clear flat, easily, won at Punchestown 3m hdl Grd 1 gd in Apr '04 beating Iris's Gift (11-12) by 7l, 8 ran.
St Matthew (USA) 9-2 (11-1) In touch, left chasing winner 14th to before 2 out, soon weakened, 3rd of 8, well behind Ever Present (10-10) at Kelso 3m 1f hcp chs 0-145 (2) gs.
Jazz d'Estruval (FR) 6-1 (10-9) Held up, headway to chase leaders 8th, no extra flat, 3rd of 17, 7l behind Halcon Genelardais (10-2) at Haydock 2m 7f hcp hdl (2) gs in Nov.
The Bajan Bandit (IRE) 11-1 (11-8) Chased winner until fell at the 14th in race won by Ever Present (10-10) at Kelso 3m 1f hcp chs 0-145 (2) gs, 8 ran.
Oscar Park (IRE) 8-1 (11-4) Held up, headway 3 out, chased winner 2 out, stayed on well run-in, 2nd of 21, 3/4l behind Karanja (11-1) at Newbury 3m hcp hdl 0-140 (2) gs in Nov.
Whispered Promises (USA) 25-1 (11-7) Tracked leader, every chance 2 out, chased winner and mistake last, no chance flat, 2nd of 17, 7l behind Overstrand (10-5) at Sandown 2m lst hcp hdl (1) hvy.
Tees Components 14-1 (10-6) Held up mid-division, headway 4 out, hung left approaching last, no extra, 4th of 17, 10l behind Halcon Genelardais (10-2) at Haydock 2m 7f hcp hdl (2) gs in Nov.
United (GER) 12-1 (10-3) Held up, hit 5th and 6th, joined leaders 8th, every chance 3 out, weakened approaching last, 5th of 17, 13l behind Halcon Genelardais (10-2) at Haydock 2m 7f hcp hdl (2) gs in Nov.
Magnifico (FR) 16-1 (11-7) Led 1st, stayed prominent, led again 7th, headed after 3 out, with leader and chance last, held flat, 2nd of 11, nk behind Rowley Hill (11-12) at Chepstow 3m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) sft.
Just Beth 50-1 (10-5) Chased leaders, outpaced approaching 3 out, soon ridden, stayed on well flat, no impression, 6th of 16, 17l behind Accordello (10-0) at Aintree 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-140 (2) gd in Nov.
